News editors obtained the following quote from the background information supplied by the inventors: "Aircraft monuments or walls typically do not include any type of graphics thereon. Accordingly, a need exists for a monument that includes aesthetically pleasing graphics or the like thereon."

As a supplement to the background information on this patent application, VerticalNews correspondents also obtained the inventors' summary information for this patent application: "In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a graphics display module that includes a frame with a front portion and a rear portion that cooperate to secure a lighted panel having a front surface and a rear surface therebetween. The front portion defines a central opening through which the front surface of the lighted panel can be viewed. The front portion and rear portion cooperate to define a channel that includes lighting disposed therein that is configured to back light the lighted panel. In a preferred embodiment, the lighted panel includes etching in the rear surface thereof. Preferably, the front portion includes a front frame member and a flange member extending rearwardly from the front frame member and the rear portion includes a rear frame member and inner and outer flange members extending forwardly from the rear frame member. The outer flange member of the rear portion abuts the flange member of the front portion, and the inner flange member of the rear portion abuts the rear surface of the lighted panel.

"In a preferred embodiment, the lighted panel includes a circumferential groove defined in the front surface thereof, and a portion of the front frame member is seated in the groove. Preferably, the flange member of the front portion includes a series of front securing members extending inwardly therefrom, the outer flange member of the rear portion includes a series of rear securing members that correspond to the front securing members, and each of the front securing members are secured to one of the rear securing members. In a preferred embodiment, each of the front securing members include a first opening defined therein, each of the rear securing members include a first opening defined therein, and the front portion is secured to the rear portion by fasteners that are secured within the first openings of the front securing members and the first openings of the second securing members.

"In a preferred embodiment the graphics display module includes a backing board that is configured to secure the graphics display module to a surface. The backing board is secured to the rear frame member of the rear portion. Preferably, each of the rear securing members include a second opening defined therein, and the backing board is secured to the rear portion by fasteners that are secured within the second openings in the rear securing members and openings defined in the backing board. Preferably, the lighting is LED lighting that is disposed in the channel and secured to the frame.

"In accordance with a another aspect of the present invention there is provided a monument that is configured to be positioned in an aircraft that includes at least a first wall having an opening defined therein with a graphics display module secured within the opening. The graphics display module includes a frame that has a front portion and a rear portion that cooperate to secure a lighted panel having a front surface and a rear surface therebetween. The front portion defines a central opening through which the front surface of the lighted panel can be viewed and the front portion and rear portion cooperate to define a channel that includes lighting disposed therein that is configured to back light the lighted panel. In a preferred embodiment, the monument further includes a backing board having a front surface and a rear surface and that has a height and width that is larger than the height and width of the frame. The backing board is preferably secured to the rear frame member of the rear portion, and the front surface of the backing board is secured to the first wall of the monument such that the frame extends into the opening in the first wall.

"In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a graphics display module to cleanly display a single, static graphical element such as a logo, picture, or pattern in a way that is attractive to people passing through the area. The present invention provides a lighted display with graphics and framing options.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

"FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a front row aircraft monument with a graphics display module in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

"FIG. 2 is a cross section taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

"FIG. 3 is a cross section taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

"FIG. 4 is a front exploded perspective view of the graphics display module of FIG. 1;

"FIG. 5 is a rear exploded perspective view of the graphics display module of FIG. 1; and

"FIG. 6 is a plan view of an aircraft with the front row monument of FIG. 1 positioned therein."